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Buff Original Multifunctional Headwear

rated 4.0 of 5 stars
photo: Buff Original Multifunctional Headwear neck gaiter

After getting used to it, wearing the Buff has added a layer of protection from the elements, while doing a fine job of wicking away moisture.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Very soft
  • Easy to layer with

Cons

  • Underperformed in summer weather
  • No UV protection
  • Doesn't fit as balaclava on bigger heads

The Original Buff is 100% polyester microfiber, seamless, and is very soft. It's actually softer than that really old, worn-out T-shirt you can't get rid of. And for any of you who have one of those old T-shirts, you know how incredibly soft that is. 

At the heart of the Buff is adjustability and versatility. The company shows 13 different ways to wear it. For me, the Buff is very comfortable as a face mask, neck gaiter, or headband (the only three ways I ever wear it).

I've tried it as a balaclava, but it feels too tight around my neck. This is good point to mention that I have a fairly large head (24" or 61cm or nearly 7 3/4 US-hat size) and I think this is the main factor in the balaclava style not fitting well. 

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The Original Buff


At first I was a bit self-conscious about the Buff. I bought it originally for hunting purposes, but hunting buddies are great at giving you crap for things like wearing a Buff. Whatever. I got over that pretty quickly when I realized how well it was functioning.

I first wore it during a two-day mild winter weather deer hunt which included a lot of drives. For those unfamiliar with hunting drives, you're either doing a lot of walking through the woods (often the thick, overgrown, nasty stuff) or you're sitting perfectly still and waiting for deer to come your way. It's not uncommon to hike through thick briars in the snow for an hour straight, or sitting and waiting for a couple hours.

The trick is having gear that keeps you from overheating during the hikes and keeps you warm during the sitting. The Buff did a good job at doing just that. If I need to take it off, it stashes easily into a pocket.

I've also worn the Buff during much colder, bitier winter weather and it does a good job blocking some of the wind and cold. Although I imagine the wool Buff would do better. 


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The Buff packs down small and can easily be stashed in a jacket pocket or pack. 

The Buff is very easy to layer with. It can easily fit over top of a turtleneck or underneath a cap. 

I tried wearing it two or three times in the summer, but each time it wasn't doing much for me. The Original Buff does not block UV rays entirely (although they do sell a UV Buff and bug protection Buff) so I actually got a little burnt underneath when I wore it instead of a hat. As well, it did not keep me cool during the summer. It did an okay job at wicking away moisture, but because I sweat so much, it couldn't keep up. 

In the end, I have found the Original Buff to be useful, but for my purposes (mostly winter weather) I probably would be better off buying the Wool Buff or another of their cold weather products. 


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Neck Gaitor

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Balaclava

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Headband

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $20 USD

The Original Buff will give you the confidence you need to tackle all outdoor tasks.

Pros

  • Doesn't overstretch
  • Breathes well
  • Looks attractive

Cons

  • No three wolf moons

The first thing I did last Thursday was rush to my mail box to open the package that had my Original Buff inside. As soon as I placed it on my head, my entire world changed. A few of the things that happened were

  • I could protect my neck, face, and ears from the sun all at once!
  • I felt totally rad when I used its skull cap mode, kinda like a pirate.
  • The ladies seem to totally dig it.

Another thing you will find with the amazing Original Buff is that people will become envious of you. I had a guy approach me just yesterday willing to trade his ExOfficio wear-the-same-pair-always underwear. As tempted as I was, the Original Buff can do just as much as those underwear can, and more.

Needless to say, you won't be sorry with your purchase of the Original Buff.

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Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $20

Really fun gear to have with you.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Warm
  • Breathable
  • Fits perfectly, not too baggy

Very comfortable and not too bulky in neck.

Very practical, you can just slip it in a pocket.

The all around neck warmer +.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $13.50

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Specs

Price Current Retail: $13.99-$409.00
Historic Range: $6.33-$750.00
Reviewers Paid: $13.50-$20.00
Product Details from Buff »

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